Switching means for a timing mechanism

Abstract

A pair of movable electrical contact blades are linked together through a lost motion linkage. An actuator means engages one of the blades to initially move it by itself. Subsequent movement of the actuator means moves both blades to selectively open and close electrical contacts carried by the blades and to open and close an electrical contact carried by a fixed contact blade.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In an electrical switching means wherein cooperating electrical contacts, carried by a fixed contact blade and a pair of movable contact blades, are sequentially opened and closed through movement of said pair of movable contact blades; a means providing individual sequential movement of said pair of movable contact blades with respect to said fixed blade comprising: (a) a drive means,   (b) cam means actuated by said drive means and a lever engaging said cam means and a first blade of said pair of movable contact blades,   (c) a lost motion linkage means carried by said pair of movable contact blades and linking them together,   whereby initial movement of said lever by said cam means causes movement of said first blade and continued movement thereof due to said lost motion linkage means causes movement of both of said pair of contact blades so as to selectively engage or disengage the electrical contacts carried by the movable blades and the fixed blade from each other.   
     
     
       2. In an electrical switching means according to claim 1 wherein said first blade is of a longer length than the other of said pair of movable contact blades to insure that said lever engages only said first blade. 
     
     
       3. In an electrical switching means according to claim 1 wherein said lever is pivotally mounted, and a distal end of same engages said blade. 
     
     
       4. In an electrical switching means according to claim 3 wherein said distal end includes a ramp engaging said blade and is of sufficient length to cause said blade to move a distance sufficient to move both said pair of contact blades. 
     
     
       5. In an electrical switching means according to claim 1 wherein said lost motion linkage means includes a loop substantially surrounding said pair of contact blades, said loop being of sufficient size to permit said movable blades to move independently of the other.